Posting today from the Fort Wayne airport.
A little while ago I replaced the mechanicals on the skylight assembly. Nice smooth action now, with the plastic wheels that so often deteriorate.
Still had a small drip when it rained, so I bought a skylight seal kit from Bus Depot and installed it last week. The onslaught of rain that night was a true test of the seal and it failed - miserably! I had not compared the two seals, but the Bus Depot version was much smaller. The actual seal part (tubular in shape) was no bigger than 1/2 inch in diameter while the one that was on the van prior was a generous 3/4 inch.
Upon discussing with various other helpful souls at TheSamba.com, it has been noted that the displeasure with the smaller seal is numerous in persons. One additional person who already dealt with this issue suggested the same seal that is sold for poptop seals. Some suppliers sell it by the foot and I will need to procure some of this to seal up the skylight.
It will be raining again this weekend, and we will be camping. I will need to reinstall the older seal and add some additional sealing to keep the omnipresent rain at bay.
Ought to be a good test for the canvas as well. Reservations have been made, monies paid and no getting it back. Think we are getting wet . . .
UPDATE - After removing the older seal, I ordered up some pop top seal by the foot from Bus Depot. It has a larger 'bulb' than the supposed replacement product. I installed it with a bit of silicone within the part of the seal that crimps over the edge of the skylight. Then a bit on the tube that connects the two ends when installed all around the skylight.
As of today, a week after that bitch Hurricane Irene blew through, I am leak free. Wish I could say the same about my house roof.
12 August 2011
04 August 2011
Yanking the refrigerator
I needed the storage more than I needed a semi efficient refrigerator that holds barely more than my sons milk and my beer. I had decided to yank it a while ago. but did not actually do it until a couple weekends ago.
First step was to make sure there is no gas in line. I did not have any tanks installed in the Thingamajigger, so that part was easy. The refrigerator is held in by the front panel (to which there are four screws behind the round caps). The panel pulls out from the right.
Unplug the refrigerator by reaching in through the right cabinet.
There are two screws from each side that are also holding the fridge in the cabinet. Reach in from both sides, from right cabinet and left lift up storage space. Pull out the fridge by walking it little by little. Watch your fingers.
Should slide out with minimal distress. With gloves and a mask, now examine the insulation in the back of the cabinet for signs of rodents. Wearing the gloves will protect you from touching obviously bad things, but depending on what is found, the airborne rodent particles can make you equally as sick.
Vacuum up the trash and whatever else is needing to be removed.
The use of the space is up to you. A couple shelves, or maybe a single? Make sure to seal up the rear of the cabinet.
To reinstall the fascia, I added a 1x2 strip the length of the cabinet in order to screw in the outer piece of the cabinet. Then mounted up the door.
The only remaining piece is to deal with the space at the bottom of the cabinet that was once the refrigerators vent.
My choice was to use a piece of the same flooring material I used for the nice floor I installed a few months ago. Few measurements, a couple easy cuts and screwed in from behind the piece and we have a nice looking finished cabinet.
First step was to make sure there is no gas in line. I did not have any tanks installed in the Thingamajigger, so that part was easy. The refrigerator is held in by the front panel (to which there are four screws behind the round caps). The panel pulls out from the right.
There are two screws from each side that are also holding the fridge in the cabinet. Reach in from both sides, from right cabinet and left lift up storage space. Pull out the fridge by walking it little by little. Watch your fingers.
Should slide out with minimal distress. With gloves and a mask, now examine the insulation in the back of the cabinet for signs of rodents. Wearing the gloves will protect you from touching obviously bad things, but depending on what is found, the airborne rodent particles can make you equally as sick.
Vacuum up the trash and whatever else is needing to be removed.
To reinstall the fascia, I added a 1x2 strip the length of the cabinet in order to screw in the outer piece of the cabinet. Then mounted up the door.
The only remaining piece is to deal with the space at the bottom of the cabinet that was once the refrigerators vent.
My choice was to use a piece of the same flooring material I used for the nice floor I installed a few months ago. Few measurements, a couple easy cuts and screwed in from behind the piece and we have a nice looking finished cabinet.
Recent trips
Maiden voyage - July 4, 2011 A day trip to Battleship Cove in Fall River Massachusetts. I think the little bugger likes it!
Spectacular day. Vanagon ran well.
July 10, 2011 - Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire was the first camping trip. If you have not been, I highly recommend it.
I went here as a kid in the back of a few different Vanagons. Ecstatic to share with my son.
We kept the site sparse, more important things to do, like collect pine cones and chase squirrels.
Where is my beer anyway?
July 17 2011 - Western Massachusetts and Upstate NY. We did Howe Caverns and stayed in two different campgrounds in two states.
The Thingamajigger ran beautifully with no hiccups and no issues whatsoever.
We took the weekend of the 24th off due to my work travelling.
Where is my beer anyway?
July 17 2011 - Western Massachusetts and Upstate NY. We did Howe Caverns and stayed in two different campgrounds in two states.
The Thingamajigger ran beautifully with no hiccups and no issues whatsoever.
We took the weekend of the 24th off due to my work travelling.
July 30, 2011 - Burlington Vermont for Wolfsgart VW/Porsche/Audi fest.
Few other Westy's like these two from Quebec. Claude owns this blue Syncro and has for 11 plus years. Nice looking ride.
Few other Westy's like these two from Quebec. Claude owns this blue Syncro and has for 11 plus years. Nice looking ride.
Maybe I need to do a Syncro conversion . . .
Propane tank
Got myself a replacement tank from the folks at Go Westy a couple months back. The Thingamajigger came without one, and it may be of the best as the stock one would have been junk anyway as the valve system and regulators used are different now.
So the new tank, and a trip to Lowe's plumbing section yielded this. Might not suggest working around most propane tanks with a lit Cohiba, but this one is brandy new and never filled so please pardon the faux pas.
This version of the setup is a bit longer than stock, and the tank's valve system is different as well, so a modifications to the lines will be necessary.
This tank is made by the original manufacturer for the Vanagon, but is updated for the current specifications.
So the new tank, and a trip to Lowe's plumbing section yielded this. Might not suggest working around most propane tanks with a lit Cohiba, but this one is brandy new and never filled so please pardon the faux pas.I modelled the connections after the stock setup (which I did not have, but used a photo I had seen). The two connections are for the stock setup of a stove and refrigerator. I kept the setup as I had other plans for the two connections.
This tank is made by the original manufacturer for the Vanagon, but is updated for the current specifications.Nice setup.
The installation of the tank is relatively straightforward. There are four bolts that hold the tank to the body.
I lifted the tank up with the assistance of a floor jack. Secured it with stainless steel nuts and washers. And then looked to the lines for the next step.
As you can see from the picture, the stock lines do not leave themselves in a position that can be used.
My answer to this was to eliminate the one for the refrigerator, and then modify the other for the stove. By unscrewing the connection at the stove, and undoing the screw that holds a retainer clip about halfway down the copper line you can lower the line down to have room to work on it without being confined to a small space.
I removed approximately 2 inches, and reflanged the end of the line. The quality of the copper will dictate whether you are able to reuse or not, so be wary.
Connect up your new flanged joint, and then go back and connect up the stove at the top. Re connect the support clamp at the center of the feed line and you are halfway there.
The other part of the T fitting is for a feed to a quick disconnect that is still coming in the mail. I have not decided whether I will run a hard line to the passenger side, or just mount up the quick disconnect at the tank.
Further pictures to follow.
Catching up
A whole bunch of things have been done in the past month, but I just have not had time to post it. I was all set to do it when I was in New Jersey for work the other night, but the hotel's wi fi went down. Just my luck I guess.
So amongst the projects completed:
New propane tank installed
Hi output headlights installed
Refrigerator yanked out
Working on some trim pieces
Installed some new mount rubbers on the fuel pump
Will try to post some today, but cannot guarantee I can get to them all.
So amongst the projects completed:
New propane tank installed
Hi output headlights installed
Refrigerator yanked out
Working on some trim pieces
Installed some new mount rubbers on the fuel pump
Will try to post some today, but cannot guarantee I can get to them all.
02 August 2011
Too much work
Makes Chojinchef a slow poster.
Been all around due to work: Fort Wayne Indiana, Tampa Florida, Buffalo New York, NYC (where I am now waiting to go out with a client), Philadelphia and more. Work is busy and I guess I should be happy, when all I want to do is camp. At least it gives me plenty of time to contemplate new additions to the Westy!
Last weekend we went to Burlington, Vermont for the Wolfsgart VW, Porsche and Audi meet. Fun times had by all, but we had a few vehicular hiccups.
Firstly, I realized that my gas gauge does not go below 1/4 and found out the hard way. Usually, I fill up before I go and then before I come back and I have been set. This time, going outside the comfort zone (4.5 hours each way) and I ran out of gas on I-89. After 45 minutes of walking I return to the Thingamajigger with a gallon water jug full of gas and we are on our way again. Some sort of fix I will have to contemplate later, but for now I must remember to not let it get to 1/4 tank.
The other issue I had was that the slider door would not close. Would not have been so bad if it happened in the daylight hours (or when I was not 3 quarts into my special sangria), but it happened after I had set my son down for the night. So no tinkering, and minimal noise was the requirement. So I grabbed Daddy's little helper (duct tape) fashioned a four foot piece of rope and pulled the door shut wrapping the duct tape rope around the handle and the seat belt mechanism. The following morning I traced the cause to the rear latch mechanism. It was stuck open. Some PB Blaster to lube it up until I got home and could really lubricate the whole thing.
Lastly, I must admit I had a great ride home. The WBX was running like a fine watch. Shifts were smooth, ride was comfortable, and all was generally good in the world. A ride that good means something is brewing. Something is going to happen, and it did. I had just dropped the family off and was going to fill the tank for the next adventure (remember, I ran out last time) and I drove the 3/4 of a mile to my local Sunoco. I filled the tank and answered the usual questions from the attendant who was younger than my VW. I jumped back in and drove directly home.
When I got back to the homestead, I shut down the van and heard strange sounds from the van. Running around back, I come to find the car overheating and gurgling. Swell. I pulled out all the sleeping bags, cover and cushions from the rear. Took off the hatch to find that the motor had thrown the belt. Must have happened during the trip back from the gas station because the gurgling stopped within a few minutes.
I allowed it to cool and put on the spare belt. I moved it in the other driveway and contemplated what I thought it would need. New belt - definitely, Temperature sensor - probably, check fluids and see what happens.
Following day I install the temperature sensor from my 'road kit /spare parts' that I carry around. Fill up the coolant tank and expansion tank (as I know it ejected some) and try to start it. It fired right up, and seems no worse for the wear. Vbelt is coming along with another spare.
Also ordered the shifter extension, a couple fuel pump mounts and a pop top vent window seal kit. I occasionally get a drip or two (sometimes more) and I want it sealed. No sense in ruining my wooden floor!
Been all around due to work: Fort Wayne Indiana, Tampa Florida, Buffalo New York, NYC (where I am now waiting to go out with a client), Philadelphia and more. Work is busy and I guess I should be happy, when all I want to do is camp. At least it gives me plenty of time to contemplate new additions to the Westy!
Last weekend we went to Burlington, Vermont for the Wolfsgart VW, Porsche and Audi meet. Fun times had by all, but we had a few vehicular hiccups.
Firstly, I realized that my gas gauge does not go below 1/4 and found out the hard way. Usually, I fill up before I go and then before I come back and I have been set. This time, going outside the comfort zone (4.5 hours each way) and I ran out of gas on I-89. After 45 minutes of walking I return to the Thingamajigger with a gallon water jug full of gas and we are on our way again. Some sort of fix I will have to contemplate later, but for now I must remember to not let it get to 1/4 tank.
The other issue I had was that the slider door would not close. Would not have been so bad if it happened in the daylight hours (or when I was not 3 quarts into my special sangria), but it happened after I had set my son down for the night. So no tinkering, and minimal noise was the requirement. So I grabbed Daddy's little helper (duct tape) fashioned a four foot piece of rope and pulled the door shut wrapping the duct tape rope around the handle and the seat belt mechanism. The following morning I traced the cause to the rear latch mechanism. It was stuck open. Some PB Blaster to lube it up until I got home and could really lubricate the whole thing.
Lastly, I must admit I had a great ride home. The WBX was running like a fine watch. Shifts were smooth, ride was comfortable, and all was generally good in the world. A ride that good means something is brewing. Something is going to happen, and it did. I had just dropped the family off and was going to fill the tank for the next adventure (remember, I ran out last time) and I drove the 3/4 of a mile to my local Sunoco. I filled the tank and answered the usual questions from the attendant who was younger than my VW. I jumped back in and drove directly home.
When I got back to the homestead, I shut down the van and heard strange sounds from the van. Running around back, I come to find the car overheating and gurgling. Swell. I pulled out all the sleeping bags, cover and cushions from the rear. Took off the hatch to find that the motor had thrown the belt. Must have happened during the trip back from the gas station because the gurgling stopped within a few minutes.
I allowed it to cool and put on the spare belt. I moved it in the other driveway and contemplated what I thought it would need. New belt - definitely, Temperature sensor - probably, check fluids and see what happens.
Following day I install the temperature sensor from my 'road kit /spare parts' that I carry around. Fill up the coolant tank and expansion tank (as I know it ejected some) and try to start it. It fired right up, and seems no worse for the wear. Vbelt is coming along with another spare.
Also ordered the shifter extension, a couple fuel pump mounts and a pop top vent window seal kit. I occasionally get a drip or two (sometimes more) and I want it sealed. No sense in ruining my wooden floor!
01 August 2011
Three more trips, and all is somewhat well
Just came back from Wolfsgart, a VW / Porsche and Audi fest in Burlington, VT. This after three weeks of constant work travel; Fort Wayne Indiana, Tampa Florida, NYC, Philadelphia, Buffalo NY. Came to conclusion that O'Hare sucks as they will shut down if a duck farts and Detroit is not much better.
Anyway, back to the story
Van performed well except for a couple hiccups. While on way up, I found the hard way that my gas gauge bottoms out at 1/4 tank. Prior to this, I would fill up before leaving and then again before coming home. The trip to Vermont was a solid 4.5 hours so I needed to fill up somewhere along the route. It is relatively painless, but I will need to determine the cause of this failure. Waking down I89 to buy a gallon of gas in 95 degree weather is not my idea of fun.
I was certain that upon return, I would find another Westy heading up to Wolfsgart and pulled over to offer assistance. I would later determine that the only other Westy's up there were Quebecois.
While up in Vermont, the slider would not close. If it happened early in the day it would have been fine, but it happened after my 4 year old was tucked in for the night. Duct tape to the rescue! Fashioned a 36 inch piece of duct tape into a rope like shape and used it to wrap around the door handle and the seat belt mechanism to hold the door closed for the night. Next morning I pulled off the door panel and lubed up the cable and the two opposing latch mechanisms. Works great now.
The last hiccup had the potential to be the most destructive. I had been thinking that the Thingamajigger was running really well, almopst too well. And that I was bound to have my luck run out. Well, I guess the Vanagon angels were shining down on me. I got the family home safely and decided since my gas gaugfe was not working so well, that I would go fill up.
Got to the neighborhood Sunoco which is less than a mile awayp and answered the usual "what is this?" questions. Started way back,
Anyway, back to the story
Van performed well except for a couple hiccups. While on way up, I found the hard way that my gas gauge bottoms out at 1/4 tank. Prior to this, I would fill up before leaving and then again before coming home. The trip to Vermont was a solid 4.5 hours so I needed to fill up somewhere along the route. It is relatively painless, but I will need to determine the cause of this failure. Waking down I89 to buy a gallon of gas in 95 degree weather is not my idea of fun.
I was certain that upon return, I would find another Westy heading up to Wolfsgart and pulled over to offer assistance. I would later determine that the only other Westy's up there were Quebecois.
While up in Vermont, the slider would not close. If it happened early in the day it would have been fine, but it happened after my 4 year old was tucked in for the night. Duct tape to the rescue! Fashioned a 36 inch piece of duct tape into a rope like shape and used it to wrap around the door handle and the seat belt mechanism to hold the door closed for the night. Next morning I pulled off the door panel and lubed up the cable and the two opposing latch mechanisms. Works great now.
The last hiccup had the potential to be the most destructive. I had been thinking that the Thingamajigger was running really well, almopst too well. And that I was bound to have my luck run out. Well, I guess the Vanagon angels were shining down on me. I got the family home safely and decided since my gas gaugfe was not working so well, that I would go fill up.
Got to the neighborhood Sunoco which is less than a mile awayp and answered the usual "what is this?" questions. Started way back,
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